The godfather of basketball started from conquering the NBA

Chapter 36: Rookie of the Year: Westbrook

"Guys, the bonuses have been distributed. Congratulations on our return to the playoffs." After training, Xu Xiao shouted to the crowd. For family and life.

In the end, the Timberwolves successfully entered the playoffs with a record of 53 wins and 29 losses. Although they only ranked fifth in the Western Conference and had no home court advantage, this has exceeded everyone's expectations. You must know that the Timberwolves have a record of 3 wins and 12 losses. The counterattack that collapsed the opening was completed.

A group of young people supported each other in cold eyes, got out of the predicament under the leadership of a young coach, and slapped people all over the world. This story is more passionate than any story.

And this season is also a rewarding season for the Timberwolves.

Westbrook was successfully selected to the best rookie team, and because the Thunder did not make the playoffs, Westbrook defeated his biggest competitor Derrick Rose head-on and successfully won the best rookie of the season.

尽管罗斯场均能拿下18.8分6.2次助攻的谣言数据,但是威少场均16.8分7.2次助攻5.8篮板1.9抢断跟0.8盖帽的数据毫不相让。

People have high hopes for this pair of point guards. These two are the most violent play style among point guards, but they have the calmest heads.

Rose breaks through the tie rod, which is a visual enjoyment, and he has a clear and calm mind at all times. Compensating for his deadpan, it brings Thunder fans the feeling that there is a bright future.

And Westbrook's dunk attack is the ultimate violent aesthetics, coupled with excellent golf quotient and big heart at critical moments, passion and calm judgment, that blood seems to be able to ignite the cold winter in Minnesota.

From being disgusted by Minnesota fans at the beginning, to now being called "kg" on point guards, nicknames such as the new wolf king, it is enough to see how much Minnesota fans love Westbrook.

The media also took this opportunity to hype up Westbrook and Rose as rivals from the Northwest Division.

Together with them, Beasley from the Bucks was selected to the rookie team. Although there is no strict supervision from Pat Riley, Beasley's own talent is absolutely top-notch. Even in the Bucks, as long as he does not take drugs and cause trouble , then he is one of the best players in the league.

There is also OJ Mayo of the Clippers, who averaged 19.6 points per game and is the leading scoring rookie this year, and Lopez of the Nets.

The Timberwolves' Gasol Jr. was selected to the rookie second team, along with Rudy Fernandez, Heat's Kevin Love, Spurs' "French Pippen" Batum, and Grizzlies' Erdengo Alli. G Gordon and DJ Augustine of the Bobcats.

Chalmers in the previous life was not selected. After all, he did not go to the Heat in this life, but played as a substitute for Harris in the Nets where there were not many opportunities. This is also one of the butterfly effects caused by Xu Xiao.

Xu Xiao's butterfly effect is not only that, both the team ranking and the best team this season have changed a lot from the previous life.

For example, the best team has not changed for a while, Xu Xiao can't affect them for the time being, it is still Kobe Wade, James Nowitzki and Howard.

But the second team is different. The second team is Paul, Roy, Yao Ming, Duncan and Garnett.

Because Garnett was not injured, Pierce was squeezed out directly.

The third team also changed accordingly. In addition to Billups and Anthony, Pierce and the old O'Neal who were squeezed out, a familiar and unfamiliar name appeared in the third team.

"Maddy"

Because he didn't play closed games, McGrady still maintained a good competitiveness this season, continuing the peak state of last season, averaging 22+6+5 per game, allowing him to successfully squeeze into the third team.

Although I don't know how long McGrady will prolong the peak if he doesn't play closed games, Xu Xiao knows that the Rockets this season are the most promising year to win the championship. Yao Ming McGrady, Artest and Battier, and last season Sent in the past Millsap, Scola et al.

This Rocket is the only team in the league that has enough strength to challenge the Lakers.

The Rockets 56 wins and 26 losses firmly sit on the second place in the Western Conference. Their opponent in the first round of the playoffs is the Hornets, who were also their opponents in the semifinals last year.

It's just that the strength of this Hornets is far inferior to last year, and after the Rockets got Artest, their strength has improved again.

"No, no, now is not the time to care about your opponent." Xu Xiao patted his face vigorously. This round of the series is about the future of the team, and it is a stepping stone to let him into the eyes of the public. This time, he must not do it. smashed.

Although the opponent is a seasoned Spurs, the chances of winning may not be great, but even if the hope is slim, Throw is unwilling to give up a chance of winning

"Guys, we're up against one of the evergreens in the NBA, a team any opponent would love to play against, the San Antonio Spurs.

This round of the series may be quite difficult for us, but guys, I still want to say that it is time for a change in the nba today, and it is time for us to pull these old guys down. "

Xu Xiao's voice echoed in the conference room, and the players' blood was boiling hot in their bodies.

Let's go, San Antonio!

Compared to Minnesota, San Antonio is more like a quiet and low-key village, just like their head star Duncan, low-key but unpretentious.

"No one thought that the Timberwolves, who had a messy start this year, would eventually make it to the finals, and their opponent was the old-fashioned San Antonio. Will the Timberwolves have a miracle this time? What else will this young Chinese coach bring to me? What kind of surprise do you think Reggie?"

The commentary before the game was Reggie Miller's partner Kenneth. After Kenneth finished commenting, Reggie Miller began to say:

"To be honest, I really think this series is very interesting. Although everyone thinks that the young Timberwolves will be taught by the experienced Spurs, I don't think so."

"Oh, so what's your opinion?"

"I don't think the Spurs are easy to play in this round of the series. I have observed the Timberwolves game. There is something about this coach. Although he is young, he has a lot of tactics, and a young guard like the Timberwolves is very good. Vigorous and strong impact, the old Spurs really may not be able to run past these wolf cubs."

"In addition, the dialogue between Oden and Duncan is also very interesting. Last year, Oden was not worthy of the title of the proud man of heaven, but this year, Oden is definitely one of the most dominant insiders."

On the other side, Xu Xiao was pulling Westbrook and Roy to make the final deployment.

"Listen guys, this is your first playoff game, don't put any pressure on it, let it go, don't have any worries, play our game, let the Spurs fall into our rhythm, then we have a chance Cut him off from his horse."

"Come on guys, let me call out our goals."

"we are the champion!"

In the first game, Xu Xiao still used the regular starting lineup, Westbrook Roy, Trevor Ariza and Milicic, with Oden inside.

The Spurs have Parker and Ginobili in the backcourt, Batum and Duncan on the front line, and veteran Kurt Thomas at the center.

"The intention of the Spurs to use two guns is obvious, that is, they must have their own offensive rhythm from the beginning, and they cannot let the Timberwolves lead by the nose. This is a very fragrant approach to the Suns in the Western Conference Finals in 05."

Xu Xiao looked at this scheming fox from the bench, Xu Xiao had a bad impression of him, probably because he was one of the people who supported Mogou back then, so Xu Xiao had an extremely bad impression of him.

At the beginning of the game, Roy ran without the ball and asked for the ball at the waist, then directly beat Batum, and scored the first point of the game with a turnaround jumper.

"Batum is still too young, but I don't know if Batum will be trained by the Spurs to become the next Leonard." Xu Xiao smiled, regardless of whether Batum will become a small card, but this Going on, the Spurs will definitely not be able to choose a small card.

The Spurs still use their tactical system and let Duncan hold the ball, but Xu Xiao did not arrange for Oden to match, but let Milicic play the main defense, which can reduce Oden's consumption and allow Oden to play to a greater extent. Advantages of the frame.

But Milicic's task is heavy. Facing the number one power forward in history, he lost a foul in the first round.

After that, Milicic was ravaged by Duncan in various ways. In front of Milicic, Duncan was able to handle it with ease, mid-range, post-up, support and air cuts. Milicic couldn't stand it at all. Duncan scored 5 points in the first 11 minutes , while the defensive Milicic had 0 points, 3 rebounds and 2 fouls.

But Xu Xiao didn't call a timeout, because from the scene, the Timberwolves were in the lead.

The Timberwolves can't guard Duncan, but the opponent also can't guard the Timberwolves' double guns in the backcourt.

Roy faced Ginobili's mid-range pull-up, Westbrook's zombie throw, and used his strong body to roll over Parker's back.

"Damn it, how could he do Billups' trick." Popovich was also talking lotus off the court.

When the Pistons and Spurs played in the Finals, Billups often used this trick to bully Parker, but at that time the Spurs had Bowen to help defend, and now Batum is just a rookie after all.

"Yeah, I still have Bowen." Popovich seemed to think of something, and immediately got up and called a timeout.

Replaced Batum, who played poorly on the field.

And here Xu Xiao was not idle, and replaced Galinier and Outlaw.

After Outlaw has Bradley's defense, his height, arm length + jumping is simply a nightmare for any defender.

The reason why he was put on the bench was because he held the ball in one hand, in order to increase the scoring points of the bench.

And with his defense, it is not a problem to torture the opponent's substitute scoring points. Originally, this game was reserved for Ginobili, but Popovich put Ginobili on the starting lineup in this game.

"It's okay, if you can't catch Ginobili, then arrest Parker. Back then, Sun was a Marion who made you sleepy, and I'm bringing you an Outlaw of the same level to see if you feel uncomfortable."

The rhythm of the two sides changed quickly. From the initial confrontation, it suddenly turned into a defensive battle.

But at this time, Westbrook stepped forward, and the Spurs' defense line was very uncomfortable with the continuous use of cover mid-range shots.

"At this time, Westbrook's zombie shots are very accurate, and he has the touch of Billups. The Spurs' guards can't catch up with Westbrook at all. Kurt Thomas is a good tank on the inside. He can be a blue-collar, but It's going to be hard to get him out."

Xu Xiao grinned, this is the first dish Xu Xiao prepared for the Spurs, it is to beat your poor internal mobility.

There is no way Duncan can only come over frequently to make up defenses, which limits Westbrook's firepower.

Don't worry, there is a second course.

The same tactic, still Westbrook used the cover, but this time it was a feint, passed back to Milicic, Bowen quickly rotated, and Milicic did not stop the ball. Te Thomas' defense, Outlaw hit Oden directly.

At this time, Oden has Duncan stuck behind him, and the catch is a dunk.

Still keeping Milicic out in the next round, Neal's air cut created a chance for Oden to dislocate, and Oden was handed over, who scored the ball again with a skyhook.

This second trick is to beat your poor inside athletic ability.

With less than 3 minutes left in the first quarter, the Timberwolves had pulled the score to 21-13.

"Wow, the Timberwolves team is not at all like a team that has been playing in the playoffs for the first time. This is well-coordinated, and the tricks hit the weakness of the Spurs." Reggie Miller praised.

"Indeed, I don't know what adjustments Popovich will make."

"Guys, we're in trouble next time. Next, the Spurs will attack the ball holder crazily on the line. Don't stick to the ball. Once you get a chance, you must make a quick shot. For offensive rebounds, you must rush if you need to rush. Rob."

Xu Xiao knew that Ginobili would definitely take a rest next time. After all, physical fitness was a major factor restricting him, so Xu Xiao was not worried at all about the Spurs' fast break. A Parker was not enough to worry about.

At the end of the timeout, the Spurs replaced Oberto, kept Duncan and Parker, replaced Ginobili, and replaced last year's rookie Afflalo.

It didn't work. Old Finley surprised Xu Xiao. After all, if Finley could play on the opposite side at this time, the Timberwolves would be much easier.

Xu Xiao also replaced Gasol Jr. and Hayes here.

Sure enough, the Spurs began to pinch the ball holder on the line.

As soon as Hayes got the ball on the line, Bowen suddenly jumped out and cut off Hayes' ball.

Parker has quick eyes and quick hands. He immediately made a fast break and assisted Efflalo for a layup.

"No Chuck, don't stop the ball." Seeing this, Xu Xiao was a little dissatisfied. He had already emphasized that the opponent would go to the line to pinch, and he couldn't make mistakes here.

Hayes was also a little guilty, and reached out to signal his question.

Next, the Timberwolves handled the ball much faster, without giving the Spurs a chance to attack, and passed the ball in. However, Gasol was obviously a little timid in the face of Duncan's defense, and he didn't dare to hit it at all. Fortunately, Outlaw hit a three-pointer at the buzzer.

"The situation is wrong. The Spurs' intention is not as simple as double-teaming and going up the line." Xu Xiao looked at the Spurs' tactics and fell into deep thought.

In the second quarter, the Spurs quickly caught up and overtook the score.

Popovich looked at Xu Xiao proudly off the court, and seemed to say:

"Ginger is still old and spicy."

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